Pages

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Hazards in Quilting? Who Knew?!

If you would've asked me this question a couple of years ago, I would've said, "no way"! Believe it or not, there are hazards in Quilting and not just to your pocketbook! After doing it for awhile, I've found, not only can it make a significant dent in the pocketbook, it definitely takes a toll on ones body. Particularly the neck and back, and personally, my neck. I sew/quilt almost daily and really struggle w/keeping my shoulders relaxed and not straining my neck. After reading a few articles like this, I came to the realization that I've been doing it all wrong! =( I would like to continue to quilt for many, many years to come, so when my neck really started bothering me, I began surfing the web for stretches and/or exercises for sewers/quilters.

I came across this handy dandy, preventative maintenance pdf: Ten Exercises for Quiltmakers. I pinned it on the wall behind my machine to remind me to take breaks often and stretch. I'm sure the exercises are effective for Readers and heavy Texters too! I've since been working on improving my posture, bending from the waist, and using my eyes more than my neck.

While looking for the stretches/exercises, I found more good info for proper height adjustment for sewing and cutting tables here. I know my sewing table should be lower, but I haven't come across one that is "cheap" enough. I'm thrifty remember ;)

Got the desk at Goodwill for $4 on a 50% off Saturday

My cutting table is just about the right height. It is raised w/4 - 1" risers. Another inch would probably do the body better.

And speaking of exercise, to keep in shape in general AND in preparation for Extreme Flagstaff, a mud run, or hopefully one day Survivor and/or The Amazing Race, my bff Melinda suggested I put my pull up bar in the doorway of my sewing room and do at least 1 pull-up every time I enter. Truth be told, I don't do a pull-up every time but I do about every 2nd or 3rd time... and I'm up to 2 - 3 reps when I do them!

One last thing where exercise is concerned, whether I'm sewing, cutting or ironing, I try to remember to keep my abs engaged (belly button to spine) to tighten my core and strengthen my back.

Lastly, from this point forward, I will end each post w/a scripture or verse as encouragement to anyone who reads my blog; a biblical truth or spiritual fruit which is truly my thread for life.

A Thread for Life"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer 29:11 NIV

6 comments:

Very informative! There are things involved in quilting most people would never think about. Now, I want you to write a blog about what you like most about quilting? Is it anticipation of the finished product or the process of making it? Do you like to make certain kinds better than others, etc..? See I have some good blog ideas. ;-)

Thanks for stopping by! If you are so inclined, follow me. I take delight in visitors and welcome comments even more. I reply via email. If you are a no-reply blogger, please leave your email address in your comment. Be blessed.

My Patterns

Easy Microwave Cozy

Become an Affiliate

Featured Post

Grammarly

Translate

Total Pageviews

Quilter, Blogger, Christian. Wannabe Farmer & Musician. Spendin' as much time as I can stitchin'! Hi, I'm Zenia Rene and Quilting is my passion! I sew or do something "quilty" everyday...even if it's just for 10 mins. I have a never-ending list of quilts I want to make and it GROWS daily!

Affiliate Link

Disclosure: I am an affilliate of Craftsy and a grammarly and this blog contains affiliate links and ads, which means I may receive a small commission if you click on a link or ad AND buy.

This is a personal blog written and edited by me, Zenia Rene. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. Some of the advertising is in the form of ads generated by a third party ad network. These ads will be identified as affiliate links or paid advertisements. Any support received will be graciously used to continue my quilted passion.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are purely my own. If I claim or appear to be an expert on a certain topic or product or service area, it's purely

based on personal experience. I will only endorse products or services that I use or have used and I believe are worthy of such endorsement.

For questions about this blog, please contact me, Zenia Rene at (aquiltedpassion at gmail Dot com).